Framed Art 101

Your wall can look amazing with framed art. There are lots of themes that make good subjects for framed art. In fact, you can find a lot of artworks of sceneries, people, animals and other pictures that are fit to be displayed on your walls.

But of course, don’t expect purchasing framed art that are pretty old to be easy. It can pose a lot of challenges. You have to ensure that you are paying a huge amount for something that is totally worth its price. To do that, you need to be skilled in telling genuine art from fakes. When you do, you won’t be wasting money on something that is an imitation of the real thing. Besides, oil paintings are not the only things that can be beautifully framed. Frame art can be original art, prints or lithographs.

How do you determine whether the framed art is an original, a print or a lithograph?

• Original Painting

If you are lucky, you will find an original painting that was made by the hands of the artist himself. The medium does not matter as long as the artist worked on the artwork with his own hands. Plus, original paintings come with the affixed signatures of the artist.

• Print

Prints basically have three prerequisites. One, the master print was done on a plate, a stone or a wooden block. Two, the print was made by the artist or was under his supervision. Three, the work is approved by the artist. The prints are made on paper.

• Lithograph

This image is a reproduction made on a smooth flat stone or metal plate. The image is made using greasy material and the rest of the surface made to repel ink.

How to select and buy framed art

• Look into authenticity

Regarding original art, it is very important for you to look for something that is the real thing. If you know your art and your artists, you will not have a hard time telling whether the brush strokes are those of your favorite painter or not. Be sure to detect variations in the strokes as that could mean the painting is a fake.

• Consider the quality of framed art

Your purpose for buying framed art is to beautify your home with it. As such, look for artworks that will look great hanging on your wall.

• Scrutinize the pictures

Shopping online lets you do this. When you can get a view of the actual artwork, you will get an idea of how it will complement the wall you intend to spruce up.

• Decide how much you can shell out for framed art

Buying authentic framed art is costly. And so, if you just don’t have the budget, you can opt for fancy framed art that does not cost as much. A replica of an original could do just as well.

• Buy from auctions

Great framed art pieces can be found in auctions, whether local or online. Just make sure that you are not exchanging your hard earned cash for a replica.  

• Seek the help of an art dealer

Art dealers can lead you to good quality framed art pieces. As such, making appointments with a few can let you see pieces that may meet your requirements.

To sum up

Framed art pieces need not be expensive. You just need to think out of the box and find pieces that will look great on your walls.